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Valentine’s Day With The Kids

February 6, 2012 2:00 PM

(credit: mortonarb.org)

by Hyacynth Worth

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show all the loves in your life some special attention. Here’s a list of wonderful, family friendly places to celebrate the day of love with even the smallest people in your family.

Hot Chocolate Class

During this one-day class at the Botanic Garden on February 4 or 18, you and your little valentines will explore the wonderful world of chocolate, a staple in celebrating Valentine’s Day for many! Check out the cacao tree in person, and then learn together how the beans make desserts like chocolate bars and hot chocolate. Families will take home chocolate mint and chocolate pepper plants. Contact the garden to register for the class!

(credit: mortonarb.org)

Chocolate Pizza Class

Aimed at little ones ages 4 – 8, this class puts a different spin on chocolate by encouraging the little hands to make a chocolate pizza. Of course, the children will make some other chocolaty treats to take home and share with their loved ones, too. Contact the arboretum to register your child for the class and walk the grounds of the arboretum while your little one has some Valentine’s Day fun.

(credit: garfieldconservatory.org)

Tropical Treat Nights

Wednesdays February 8 and February 15, bring the whole family for a free night of learning about sweet plants. In addition to learning, musician Sandy Lucas will be on premise creating interactive tropical tunes while families engage in hands-on activities like making paper ukuleles, tissue paper leis and Valentine’s Day cards. Members can enjoy the chocolate-tasting lounge for free and visitors can gain access for just $5.

(credit: mcachicago.org)

Enjoy one of the museum’s free family days February 12 at 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with your Valentines and take a peak around the I Heart Art exhibit. Families are invited to celebrate the love of art by exploring human emotion through taking in the visuals that make up the museum’s collection of art as well as through hands-on projects facilitated by local artists. A scavenger hunt using picture clues will also be a big hit with the kids – especially upon claiming their prizes.

Simply want to get out of the house and enjoy Valentine’s Day with your little one? Pack up and head over to Little Beans Café for day and enjoy the festive decorations along with maybe a sweet treat of Valentine’s Day cupcakes. A balloon artist will be there creating art from balloons. And mom or dad won’t want to miss getting a picture in the smooch booth with their favorite little people to commemorate the day of love.